How much should you budget for the birth of a baby?

Summary

1. The main categories of expenses to anticipate before the birth
2. The installation budget: furnishing the nursery with taste and safety
3. Monthly expenses during the first few months
4. How can you optimise your budget without compromising on quality?
5. Rêves & Merveilles: sustainable essentials for welcoming your baby with peace of mind

The arrival of a baby is a whirlwind of emotions... and often, a practical question quickly arises: how much should you budget for? In France, it is estimated that between the initial equipment and the first everyday expenses, the cost of a first child varies between €1,000 and €2,500 before birth, then around €450 to €500 per month during their first year.

Beyond the figures, this period of preparation is above all a way of providing your child with a safe and soothing environment. Between furnishing the nursery, choosing clothes, nappies, meals and care products, every parent seeks the right balance between comfort, aesthetics and financial peace of mind.

At Rêves & Merveilles, we believe that a well-thought-out layout is not an expense, but an investment in growing together in a gentle, sustainable and inspiring environment. This guide will help you anticipate each item of expenditure, estimate your birth budget and create a practical and poetic cocoon to welcome your baby.

The main categories of expenses to anticipate before the birth

Welcoming a baby means preparing a whole new world even before they arrive. From the first months of pregnancy, future parents start making their list: baby equipment, furniture, clothes, care products, and sometimes even childcare arrangements. To anticipate these expenses, it is best to divide the budget into several essential items.

Baby equipment

Pushchair, car seat, bouncer, bottles, bottle warmer, baby monitor... These essentials represent a significant part of the birth budget. Depending on the brand and quality you choose, you can expect to spend between €800 and €1 500 for a complete set of equipment.

Tip: choose products that are adaptable and durable, and will last for several years. The baby bouncer brands selected by Rêves & Merveilles meet these criteria for safety and longevity.

Furniture and bedroom décor

The GUSTAVIAN solid wood bedroom

Bed, chest of drawers, changing table, wardrobe... This item can quickly become expensive depending on the materials and design chosen. The average budget varies between €600 and €1,200, but well-designed, durable furniture is a real investment.

For example, you could opt for a convertible cot or changing table: furniture that adapts as your child grows, saving you from having to buy everything again later.

Clothes and accessories

The first few months require a complete wardrobe: bodysuits, pyjamas, sleeping bags, hats, etc. Allow around €200 to €300 for the first few outfits. Think about the season your baby is born in and how quickly they will grow: it's best to focus on practicality and natural materials.

Care, hygiene and health

Nappies, wipes, creams, cotton wool, thermometers, first aid kits... Hygiene equipment often costs between €100 and €150 initially, then around €80 to €100 per month. This is a recurring expense, but can be reduced by using washable or reusable products.

Financial assistance not to be overlooked

Certain expenses can be offset by birth grants, family allowances, or maternity benefits from mutual insurance companies. These measures ease the financial burden and reassure new parents facing rising costs.

The installation budget: furnishing the nursery with taste and safety

Preparing the nursery is much more than just buying furniture: it's about creating a cocoon where your baby will feel calm and protected. This item often represents one of the most significant parts of the birth budget, as it combines aesthetics, functionality and safety.

At Rêves & Merveilles, each piece is designed to last, evolve and enhance the daily lives of new parents.

An evolving and safe space

A cot is ideal for the first few months: compact, reassuring and easy to move, it creates a bond between the newborn and its parents. As your baby grows, you can opt for a convertible bed, which is more spacious and durable.

The MINI+ 5-in-1 convertible cot from OLIVER FURNITURE, suitable for children aged 0 to 9 years

Decorating tip & budget: choosing adaptable furniture allows you to spread the cost over several years while avoiding waste.

Well-designed storage for everyday use

An adaptable changing table combines baby care, nappy changing and storage, while remaining stylish.

Add a baby changing table or a small cupboard for everyday clothes and accessories. These pieces of furniture make life easier while contributing to a calm and organised environment.

Comfort and decorative elements

Well-being also comes down to the details: a soft rug, an armchair for breastfeeding, or even soft lighting for peaceful nights. Don't forget textiles: sleeping bags, sheets, decorative cushions.

If you're unsure, check out our advice in ‘When should you use a cot bumper?’ an accessory that combines safety and style when chosen well.

Furniture and inspiration: the exclusivity of Rêves & Merveilles

Each collection tells a story: noble materials, clean lines and soothing colours. Our partner brands (Oliver Furniture, VOX, Mathy by Bols, etc.) stand out for their high quality standards and European manufacturing.

Before you start shopping, make sure you list the essentials for your baby registry and check the dimensions of your cot.

Monthly expenses during the first few months

Once the nursery is set up, the monthly budget becomes the real measure of everyday life. Parents quickly discover that the arrival of a baby costs around €450 to €500 per month on average during the first year.

Nappies and hygiene products

A baby uses 6 to 8 nappies a day, which amounts to around €80 per month. Hygiene products (liniment, cotton wool, wipes, creams) add an extra €20 to €40. Eco-friendly choices can reduce these costs.

Baby food

Breastfeeding: cost reduced to a few accessories.

Infant formula: €60 to €100 per month + bottles and steriliser. Weaning adds €80 to €120 per month depending on the preparations.

Clothes and accessories

Allow €30 to €50 per month to replace clothes as your baby grows.

Childcare and outings

Childminder: €600 to €900 per month.

Nursery: €250 to €500 per month.

Shared childcare: an intermediate solution depending on income.

For outings and early learning, a well-chosen baby bouncer makes everyday life easier.

How can you optimise your budget without compromising on quality?

Preparing for the arrival of a baby also means learning to consume differently. Between ethical choices and sustainable solutions, there are many ways to control your budget without sacrificing quality.

Prioritise sustainability and adaptability

Adaptable furniture will grow with your child for several years. The initial cost is offset by its durability and sturdiness.

The VINTAGE bedroom by VOX with its adaptable furniture

Take advantage of financial assistance and benefits

Birth grants, basic allowances, local assistance: these measures can help balance your budget, especially during the first year.

Consider second-hand items

Clothing, toys, furniture: the second-hand market can reduce your expenses by 30 to 50% while helping to protect the planet.

Focus on responsible choices

Sustainable, FSC-certified or organic products guarantee your baby's safety and peace of mind for parents. This is the philosophy behind Rêves & Merveilles: a world of design, responsibility and sincerity.

Rêves & Merveilles: sustainable essentials for welcoming your baby with peace of mind

Since 2011, Rêves & Merveilles has been helping parents create unique, safe and inspiring bedrooms. Each baby cot, convertible changing table or baby changing table combines design, safety and sustainability.

We use high-quality materials, meticulous finishes and committed partners. The result: elegant, adaptable and environmentally friendly furniture. Rêves & Merveilles is also a poetic universe where each piece of furniture tells a story and every detail has meaning.

Planning your baby's birth budget means, above all, imagining their world. Investing in quality means preparing for the future with confidence. At Rêves & Merveilles, we support parents during this unique time with creations that combine beauty, safety and sustainability so that every child can grow up surrounded by dreams and wonders.